According to the FAAs body mass index guidelines, Im not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. Ive long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple-or better yet a carrot-when Im hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, Im workin on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
The FAA has mandated that Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) refer pilots with a Body Mass Index (BMI) over 40 for a sleep study, citing concerns about obesity, sleep apnea, and pilot fatigue.
Pilot organizations like AOPA and EAA, along with the author, strongly object to this directive, arguing there is no scientific data linking high BMI to accident rates and that it imposes an undue burden on pilots.
Critics view the new BMI rule as an unnecessary "Big Brother" intervention, particularly as the FAA is also implementing broader new rest requirements and duty limitations for airline pilots to address fatigue.
According to the FAA’s body mass index guidelines, I’m not obese but, like many Americans, I should lose some weight. I’ve long known that I should retrain myself to reach for an apple—or better yet a carrot—when I’m hungry, instead of some chocolate or junk food. Yeah, I’m workin’ on it, um, real soon now. Now, the FAA is, too.
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